Juncos Hollinger Racing announced the mutual decision to part ways with driver Agustin Canapino, effective immediately.
In a surprising turn of events, Juncos Hollinger Racing has officially announced the departure of driver Agustin Canapino, marking a significant mid-season shift in the 2024 IndyCar Series.
The split comes just five races shy of the conclusion of the 2024 IndyCar season, marking a significant mid-season shakeup for both the team and the Argentine driver.
Canapino, who made his IndyCar debut in 2023, has faced a tumultuous sophomore season and currently sits 22nd in the drivers’ championship standings out of 23 full-time competitors. His best finish this year was 12th on the streets of Detroit and has struggled to maintain consistent performances, failing to finish three consecutive races.
The 34-year old’s time in the open wheel series was also marred by several off-track controversies. In June, he took a brief leave of absence following a social media firestorm, which included threats directed at his then-teammate Callum Ilott.
The Argentinian failed to appropriately respond to a series of death threats issued by his ardent online fans and the situation escalated to the point where McLaren severed its technical ties with Juncos Hollinger Racing, citing concerns over the negative commentary surrounding the team.
Juncos Hollinger Racing said the decision to part ways is mutual and the team expressed gratitude for Canapino’s contributions during his tenure as their driver, acknowledging the challenges he faced while transitioning to a new racing discipline and culture.
“We commend Agustin for taking the leap into open wheel racing with us over the last year and a half, not only learning a completely new style of racing from his impressive and storied career, but also moving to the US and learning the language to join our series,” the team statement read.
“Both Agustin and the team have worked tirelessly to learn, grow, and succeed throughout his time at JHR, and we are extremely proud of what we have achieved together.
“We thank Agustin for his time at Juncos Hollinger Racing and will be cheering him on as he continues his journey. Gracias, Agustin!”
The exit of Canapino comes at a critical moment for Juncos Hollinger Racing, as they risk not qualifying for the Leader’s Circle, which awards a crucial $1 million to the top 22 finishers in the championship.
With only five races remaining in the season, the team must find a replacement driver for the remainder of the campaign while also focusing on improving their performance and securing sponsorships.
As for Agustin Canapino, his future in IndyCar remains uncertain. While he has proven his capabilities as a driver, the controversies and performance issues may hinder his prospects in the highly competitive series.
